Crystal Clear

New Summer Series Coming to Woodlands Waterway Square

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:11:06 -0500

THE WOODLANDS, Texas --The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Parks & Recreation Department of the Community Associations of The Woodlands are producing a new event series on Friday and Saturday nights at Waterway Square. Beginning Friday, July 31, 2009, Summer Nights, Waterway Lights will feature a variety of entertainers from 6 to 8 p.m. The series will run every Friday and Saturday night thru September 19.

The weekend series will feature jugglers, mimes, face painters, stilt walkers, balloonists, magicians, and/or caricaturists. The Saturday events will also feature live entertainment from a variety of musical duos.

"We are pleased to bring this new event to Waterway Square as it is becoming a popular place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy," said Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Waterway Square is becoming iconic in The Woodlands Town Center and is a very important public space for residents and visitors. The Fountains choreographed to music and lights are unique in the Greater Houston region and one of the reasons why The Woodlands is such an incredible town in which to live and visit."

Chris Nunes, director of Parks and Recreation for the Community Associations of The Woodlands, said, "The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to being an active partner in the development of Waterway Square as a destination for residents and visitors to The Woodlands. Summer Nights, Waterway Lights is just the kickoff to what is planned for Waterway Square in the coming months."

Parking is available at 24 Waterway Parking Garage and the corner lot at Timberloch Place and Waterway Avenue for a minimal cost.

For directions and more information, about the event, please call 281 363-2447.

The Waiting is Over, Olive Garden Open

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:15:34 -0600

No more long drive to the Woodlands for Olive Garden! The long wait is over!

Conroe's Olive Garden in the Teas Crossing Shopping Center is now open for dinner.

I am many of the locals have been anxiously awaiting this new restaurant opening. I love the endless salad and bread-sticks. The menu has all the classics and new dishes to tempt the taste buds.

Last week we had dinner at the Olive Garden and was pleasantly surprised by the level of service at the newly opened restaurant. The staff was friendly and attentive. I ordered my all time Olive Garden favorite dish, Chicken Parmigiana. It was a delightful dinner and Michael and I will returning soon.

3041 I-45 NORTH
CONROE, TX 77304
Phone: (936) 539-5200

31st Annual Historical Christmas in Montgomery

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:31:02 -0600

The 31^stAnnual Historical Christmas in Montgomery took place last Saturday. I missed the parade but took a stroll through the Marketplace. The shopping was fun with many of the local stores and artist highlighting their wares. The wind threatened to blow away the tents but shopping was brisk with many attendees picking up Christmas gifts.

The Cookie Walk was the highlight of the day. The line to enter the Community Center never seemed to get any smaller and you knew by the smell once you entered that the wait was well worth it! The thousands of homemade cookies piled high on the holiday decorated tables were a delight to the senses. I swear I gained 5lbs just smelling the cookies.

Later in the day the Montgomery Historical homes were open for a Candlelight Home Tour.

This event is sponsored each year by the Montgomery Historical Society and all monies collected go towards the restoration and preservation of the seven buildings owned by the Montgomery Historical Society.

This is just another example of why Montgomery/Lake Conroe is a wonderful place to live. The whole community turns out to support local functions and not a month goes by without something fun and interesting happening in the area.

The local website and calendar can be found at Historic Montgomery

Think Smart, Smart Car that is

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:15:41 -0600

Looking for a gas friendly car, well join the growing group of Americans that "think smart" with a smart car.

From the first time I saw on online I knew I had to have one! I placed my reservation order for a Smart for Two without ever seeing in person or driving one of these little cars, and I do mean little at 8.8 feet long and 5 feet wide.

The first time I got behind the Smart Car I drove it straight home to show the family, my son took one look and wanted to know did it come with clowns.

No!, but it has a starting price of $11,990 to 16,990 before options, it is highly affordable. Yes, that is with an engine. This hot little number is a great answer to spiraling gas prices with up to 41 mpg. I can laugh at the gas pump no matter what the price of gas is. That's way better than any clowns!

Even Batman drives smart.

Don't let the size fool you the Smart for Two has plenty of leg and head room. Most people cannot believe how roomy it feels from the inside.

This Mercedes-Benz auto turns heads wherever it goes. Along with Swatch they have developed an eco-friendly affordable SAFE small car. Smart for Two has received very high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Join the Smart Revolution, come on I'll lead the way!

Brenham Heritage Museum Remembers Our Veterans

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:13:08 -0600

On a recent road trip we visited the Brenham Heritage Museum. The museum purpose is to preserve and display items of historical significance to the heritage and culture of Brenham. Many of the displays paid tribute to our service men.

Early Army Uniforms of local Brenham Service men were on display.

Early recruiting poster.

Sailors uniforms have not changed all that much over the years.

Locals in World War II were commended for outstanding service with the Chinese Combat Command

Another recruiting poster.

Admission is a suggested donation of $1.00 dollar per person and they will happily give you a guided tour that will have the history of Brenham come alive!

Brenham Heritage Museum

105 South Main Street

(979)830-8445

Easy Made Meals, It's Whats For Dinner!

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:50:24 -0600

Do you constantly wonder what's in the fridge to cook for dinner? Tired of standing in the kitchen for over an hour to prepare dinner after a long day or just sick of eating fast food? The answer is Easy Made Meals in Tomball.

Vivian and Irene answer the age old question "Whats for dinner?" by providing healthy prepackaged entrees for you to cook at home. They do the shopping, measuring, and chopping. Just defrost and cook, most meals are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Easy Made Meals goal is to allow people to spend less time shopping and planning meals. Allowing you more quality time with family and friends.

I personally credit Easy Made Meals with my weight loss. They helped me serve nutritionally correctly proportioned meals at home. Special dietary needs are not a problem, Vivian and Irene will customize meals to your families preferences.

Believe me, I am no Julia Childs but Easy Made Meals has taken my cooking to new dimensions. My family feels like we have gourmet cooking with favorites like Stuffed Tilapia, New Orleans Style Southern Chicken or Sweet Potato Stuffed Pork Chops.

Menus www.easymademeals.com/OurMenu.php

The menu changes monthly and they also have soups and cassaroles avaliable. You can call or place your order online and leave the dinner blues behind.

Don't forget dessert, my husbands favorite is the Peach Cobbler, he rates it two thumbs up and says "It's just like Mother used to make."

Easy Made Meals its "What's for Dinner!"

Located in downtown Tomball just off Main Street.

www.easymademeals.com

Sunset Clouds Before Ike

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:52:50 -0500

The sunset Friday Sept. 12, 2008 was spectacular and a little scary. What the pictures do not show is the trees are already whipping to and fro, you could tell that there would be trees down before morning, and the clouds were moving fast in a circular motion unlike the regular straight in from the coast winds before a storm clouds that we are used to. I stood out for the longest staring at the sky and watching the changes wondering what the night would hold for us. As the sun set in flaming colors, I knew that it would be a different world when morning came.

RE BarCamp Houston 2008 Wow, What a day!

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:46:04 -0500

From the moment I got out of my car and realized, wow, "that's Jason Crouch" who pulled in behind me, I knew it was going to be a different day! The day definitely was not disappointing. I learned so much about different aspects of social networking, blogging and internet sites that I feel my head is going to burst. I will be able to apply so much of what was talked about without feeling overwhelmed with all the different aspects that you can stay connected to the technology available today.

This day really made learning fun, there was none of that three o'clock blues of when is this thing gonna end.

Met a lot of nice people and folks who I already knew from their blogs. The thing was all day I felt like I never meet a stranger, we were already connected.

Thank you, Thank you, Active Rain for hosting this event in my backyard.

RE-BarCamp is coming to Houston TX on October 22, 2008!

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:40:08 -0500

Calling all local Active Rainers!! Come join in at the Woodlands! Be sure and look me up and say hello if you attend.

Via Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder:

REBarCamp Houston is an exhilarating gathering of minds & passions in a spontaneous, eclectic, organic, open format event where real estate professionals and technology experts share new discoveries/trends happening in the industry, and discuss their practical application in the present and future of real estate. Get connected with experts - show, tell, share, and learn. Go deep with the innovators of the industry and discuss ways to incorporate on-line strategies, such as blogging, new media, tech tools, social networks, search optimization, and much more, into your business.

And the best thing, it's FREE!!!

In today's challenging market, you need an advantage and skillset that will set you apart from the masses, and empower you for greater success. REBarCamp Houston will help to equip and launch your marketing efforts with a renewed vision and effectiveness!

Keynote speaker, Paul Chaney, co-author of "Realty Blogging" and President of the International Blogging and New Media Association, will open the event with his usual talented enthusiasm. Paul also plans on conducting a few of the sessions as well.

ActiveRain is pleased to be one of the event sponsors, and Community Builders, Brad Andersohn and Rich Jacobson, will be on-hand to facilitate several break-out sessions, including "Boot Camp for Beginning Bloggers," "Social Media 101," and "7 Steps of Effective Blogging."

When: October 22, 2008 - registration at 8:30AM
Where: Shenandoah Convention & Meeting Facility
(adjacent to The Woodlands Texas)

Follow @rebarcamphou or @mlbroadcast on Twitter for updates, and use the hash tag #rebch08 with all tweets.

For more details, to RSVP, volunteer, or help sponsor this event, go to REBarCampHouston

Beat the Heat At SplashTown Spring, Texas

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:15:20 -0500

One of our family favorite places to beat the summer heat in Houston is SplashTown USA!

Located off I-45 and 2920 it is a summer fun destination since the 1980's. SplashTown offers fun in the sun with lots of water activities. As you approach the palm tree-lined entrance you escape to a 53 acre water world were age boundaries drop away and everyone is young again.

From sun bathing to wild rides SplashTown offers a little of everything in a safe family environment. With plenty of lifeguards and multiple aquatic activity areas even the smallest of tots can find a water haven to let their imagination run wild playing pirates and shooting water cannons in the Crocodile Isle

Sit by the wave pool and soak up the rays or swim down the Guadalupe River Ride and let your troubles drift away.

Several Restaurants will fill and fuel your belly. Choose from the Dog House, Pizza Palace, New Braunfels Grill or eat at the Food 'n' Fun Cafe that has a little bit of everything in an air condition forest atmosphere.

Shop till you drop at at the Beach Shop were you can check out the latest bathing suit styles or stock up on suntan lotion. Pick up a souvenir tee-shirt or hat to let everyone know you been beating the summer heat at SplashTown!

For the adventurous, the fun and screams never end! With rides like the Tornado, Thunder Run, Zoom Flume, Space Rapids and Shotgun Falls to name a few. The excitement never ends! New rides are featured each year at SplashTown with the newest extreme tube slide for 2008 the RipCurl.

Thrill Seeker who are not afraid of heights can brave the Texas Freefall. After climbing five stories up the brave souls slide down at a scary speed!

Remember those summer days at the river swinging on a rope tied to a tree? Well, recreate those memories at the Blue Lagoon.

Or Slip and Slide on one of the many water features!

SplashTown is the summer place to cool off and have fun. A day at SplashTown will leave you with a smile on your face and planning your next trip to the waterpark!

Plan your next birthday party, company event, or just have SplashTown cater a picnic for your next outing. SplashTown offer's group rates and season passes. Call 281-355-3300 for more information.

Tickets

Online Special: Save $2:00 off general admission when purchased online

Price at the Park
General Admission $32.99
Child under 48" $24.99

Children 2 & under FREE

21300 IH-45 North, Spring, Texas 77373

What's in Your backyard? Black Widow Spider

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:37:05 -0500

Have had an unwelcome visitor this summer. The web had a bunch of little baby spiders that did not show up well in the pictures.

We all need a laugh! - Jokes

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:11:22 -0500

This is hilarious!!! Click on the link below. Have your sound on.

Baby Boomers

First Thursday Concert A Toe Tapping Good Time!

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:01:07 -0500

Conroe's First Thur Concert In on July 3rd was a great evening to jump start the long weekend! I had clients all day so we missed the first band, but arrived during set up of Joe Ely.

We moseyed down and spread out blanket about 15 feet from the stage, The park was packed but not crowded and the evening breeze kicked in to cool to concert goers down,

The biggest surprise was the accordion player, WOW!! He sounded fantastic, never knew the accordion was such a versatile sounding instrument.

Michael and I had a great time and the best part was the total price for the evening (beside gas) was a whopping $2.50 cents for the popcorn and snow-cone.

Then to top the evening off we stopped a one of Conroe's fairly new restaurants for Chinese take out

First Thursday FREE Concert by the City of Conroe

Crystal Ledbetter (Texas Home Group) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:47:36 -0500

Come and join the fun at Conroe's first thursday free concert series!

Heritage Place - 500 Collins - Downtown Conroe

Opening Act Sideshow Tramps

Main Act Joe Ely

6pm to 9pm

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, Food and beverages will be sold since no coolers are allowed in the park.

Family fun for all ages!